One of the consistent struggle in society is the battle against the bulge. We’re inundated with fad diets, paths to health, and even miracle drugs to melt off the weight. Body image and the way we feel about ourselves in the mirror seems to be top of mind for most of society.

Which is why it makes sense that this would be ripe territory for horror, especially a body horror journey. That’s the sweet spot where Saccharine lands. The film, which comes from Stan, IFC, and Shudder, makes its debut on May 22 and will likely give everyone pause when confronted with the next fad diet.

In the film, Hana (Midori Francis) is a medical student who has a checkered home life, a checkered personal life, and a serious lack of confidence when it comes to her body. It doesn’t help that she seems to have a dangerously unhealthy relationship with food, which leads to guilt and shame. That holds her back from being her best, confident self.

When she encounters an old friend while out celebrating her birthday, it puts things in focus. Her friend has tried a new fad diet pill—one that’s not strictly approved—that helped melt off the pounds no matter what she ate. It is a solution that seems to be too good to be true. And when things seem too good to be true, often, they are.

Turns out these pills, when tested by Hana, turn out to be human ash. So, Hana uses her access to cadavers to get the raw materials to make her own. While it seems to have the desired effect on her weight loss journey, it isn’t long before the unexpected side effects kick in with harrowing and deadly results.

For many of us, Saccharine will hit on a sore spot. Body image, the battle with healthy eating habits and a healthy weight is a real challenge. It’s hard to fight the feelings of insecurity that often come with seeing others and reflecting on our own shortcomings. That helps the audience instantly identify with some of Hana’s struggles.

But her solution will likely be a bridge too far for many. And yet, it’s a creepy journey that continues to get darker and darker along the path. That’s a credit to writer/director Natalie Erika James, who has been focused on these darker horror films. She previously helmed Relic and the Paramount+ spin-off Apartment 7a, a prequel to Rosemary’s Baby.

While I thought there were solid moments in those films, neither totally worked for me as a whole. That is certainly the case with Saccharine, too. There are some daunting visuals that are striking—including an opening sequence juxtaposing workouts and unhealthy eating habits that will make you cringe. In fact, there’s a lot in Saccharine that will make you cringe and make you deeply uncomfortable. That’s by design.

But the film feels too long, clocking in at nearly two hours. And in that run time, we don’t get enough character development or enough depth in the story to justify the investment. In fact, a number of sequences feel oft repeated. Sometimes it’s to establish mood, and sometimes it’s to offer unsettling visuals. That’s fine, but it doesn’t make for a complete or compelling finished film.

There are some moments and aspects of Saccharine, but it doesn’t all come together the way I’d hope. It’s got a solid concept and mood but can’t bring it all home in an effective way.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.